Installing Bollards In Asphalt: What You Need To Know

Whether you want to install bollards in asphalt for safety or aesthetic purposes, or both, there are some important things you need to know first. Asphalt is a black, viscous liquid form of petroleum commonly used for roads and driveways that comes in several varieties, including hot-mix, warm-mix, cold-mix, cut-back, and mastic forms. All types of asphalt are softer than concrete, with the former also less expensive and easier to install.

Bollards and Asphalt Heat Sensitivity

Asphalt’s heat sensitivity can mean serious bollard installation problems without the proper precautions. Extreme heat softens the bitumen product and serious weight on the asphalt can change the pavement. Asphalt will break up into chunks if its binder softens too much, allowing water to infiltrate the pavement and cause even greater damage.

Installing bollards in asphalt without taking the proper steps first can easily result in a number of problems including damage to nearby vehicles. A heavy-duty security bollard that falls over onto a car or truck, for example, has the power to cause severe damage. Falling bollards can also cause serious injuries, such as harm to people walking in parking lots.

The Role Of Concrete In Bollard/Asphalt Projects

If you are planning on installing bollards in asphalt, each piece must feature a concrete base. Concrete or cement footings on each bollard keep them in place regardless of the temperature and any asphalt shifts that result. There is no risk of bollards falling over when they include these secure bases.

The best installation method includes anchor castings as well as concrete footings, which are used any time bollards are installed on surfaces not entirely made of concrete. This process involves coring the selected area before installing a concrete form and anchor casting, then pouring concrete. The bollard gets placed over the anchor casting and a rod is threaded through the base and tightened for extra fortification. There should be at least 2 to 3 inches left for the asphalt.

What Not To Do

Installing bollards in the dirt before pouring asphalt will result in complications such as the bollards toppling over. Always use concrete or cement footings to ensure safe and efficient installation of high-security bollards. Keep in mind hot-mix and warm-mix asphalt are among the most durable options, something especially important if you will be installing bollards in high-traffic areas. Cold-mix asphalt works better in rural settings.

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